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EP4166482B1 - Overhead conveyor technology and method for conveying hangers as well as overhead conveyor with such overhead conveyor technology - Google Patents

Overhead conveyor technology and method for conveying hangers as well as overhead conveyor with such overhead conveyor technology Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4166482B1
EP4166482B1 EP22190094.7A EP22190094A EP4166482B1 EP 4166482 B1 EP4166482 B1 EP 4166482B1 EP 22190094 A EP22190094 A EP 22190094A EP 4166482 B1 EP4166482 B1 EP 4166482B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
overhead
adapters
unit
overhead conveyor
hanging
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP22190094.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4166482A1 (en
Inventor
Dirk Sieksmeier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Duerkopp Foerdertechnik GmbH
Original Assignee
Duerkopp Foerdertechnik GmbH
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Publication of EP4166482A1 publication Critical patent/EP4166482A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
    • B65G17/20—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising load-carriers suspended from overhead traction chains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G19/00—Conveyors comprising an impeller or a series of impellers carried by an endless traction element and arranged to move articles or materials over a supporting surface or underlying material, e.g. endless scraper conveyors
    • B65G19/02—Conveyors comprising an impeller or a series of impellers carried by an endless traction element and arranged to move articles or materials over a supporting surface or underlying material, e.g. endless scraper conveyors for articles, e.g. for containers
    • B65G19/025—Conveyors comprising an impeller or a series of impellers carried by an endless traction element and arranged to move articles or materials over a supporting surface or underlying material, e.g. endless scraper conveyors for articles, e.g. for containers for suspended articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G43/00—Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting
    • B65G43/08—Control devices operated by article or material being fed, conveyed or discharged
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/52—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices
    • B65G47/60—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from conveyors of the suspended, e.g. trolley, type
    • B65G47/61—Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from conveyors of the suspended, e.g. trolley, type for articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02—Articles
    • B65G2201/0229—Clothes, clothes hangers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hanging conveyor technology and a method for conveying hanging adapters as well as a hanging conveyor system with such a hanging conveyor technology.
  • EP 1 293 455 A1 discloses a hanging conveyor technology according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for storing conveyed goods in a storage facility and for dispensing selected conveyed goods.
  • the minimum conveying distance results in particular from the discharge process of the hanging adapters and in particular from a discharge element that is used for the discharge process.
  • the discharge element is switched between a discharge position and a conveying position. The faster the switching process takes place, the smaller the minimum conveying distance can be set.
  • the discharge rate is understood to be the number of hanging adapters to be discharged in relation to the total number of hanging adapters considered and/or identified in the hanging conveyor technology.
  • the conveying density of the hanging adapters can be variably adjusted along the conveying direction, in particular depending on an impending ejection process and in particular depending on whether the next hanging adapter is to be ejected or not.
  • this detection takes place in two stages by means of a first and a second identification unit.
  • the first identification unit identifies whether there is at least one hanging adapter in a set of hanging adapters that is to be subsequently ejected.
  • the first identification unit therefore enables pre-detection. Pre-detection takes place in particular before the conveying distance between two adjacent hanging adapters is variably determined.
  • a separating unit is arranged downstream of the first identification unit, whereby the separating unit enables the hanging adapters to be conveyed individually at different conveying distances. For If the first identification unit has not identified any hanging adapters to be ejected, the separation takes place at a conveying distance that is smaller than the minimum conveying distance. This increases the conveying quota, i.e. the conveying rate. If the first identification unit has identified at least one hanging adapter to be ejected, the hanging adapters are then separated at the required minimum conveying distance using the separation unit and conveyed along the functional hanging conveyor line. This ensures that the hanging adapters are reliably ejected using the ejection element. The minimum conveying distance results in particular from the conveying speed along the functional hanging conveyor line and/or the ejection element. A corresponding control signal is generated by the control unit and transmitted to the separation unit.
  • the hanging adapters are individually identified using a second identification unit. If the identified hanging adapter is intended for rejection because it belongs to an order to be picked, a rejection signal is generated and transmitted to the rejection element for rejecting the hanging adapters.
  • the identification units are designed in such a way that they read data from the hanging adapter and, in communication with a control unit, identify whether the respective hanging adapter is conveying individual items that are waiting to be discharged.
  • hanging adapter data is stored by means of the identification means, which can be read by the identification units, in particular contactlessly, in particular when the hanging adapter passes by.
  • the hanging adapter data contains in particular information on the individual item conveyed and in particular on the Order affiliation. If the individual item conveyed on the hanging adapter belongs to an order to be picked, the individual item, i.e. the hanging adapter, must be removed from the hanging conveyor system.
  • control unit enables automated conveying of the hanging adapters in the overhead conveyor system and automated ejection of hanging adapters from the overhead conveyor system.
  • control unit is in signal connection with the ejection element, the identification units and the separation unit, in particular in a bidirectional signal connection.
  • the conveying distance can be set variably depending on the hanging adapters conveyed in the area of the discharge element, both the required minimum conveying distance for the reliable discharge of hanging adapters and a reduced conveying distance for hanging adapters that are not to be discharged can be guaranteed, thus increasing the conveying rate.
  • the conveying and picking of individual items is reliable and possible with an overall increased conveying rate.
  • an adaptive adjustment of the conveying distance is possible depending on the hanging adapter identified in each case, whereby this adjustment is carried out particularly efficiently due to the pre-detection by means of the first identification unit, which is connected upstream of the singulation unit.
  • a hanging conveyor technology according to claim 2 is particularly efficient.
  • a circulating storage system enables hanging adapters to be stored continuously.
  • Such circulating storage systems are also referred to as rotating storage systems.
  • a hanging conveyor technology according to claim 3 enables an uncomplicated structural design.
  • a hanging conveyor system according to claim 4 enables the flexible introduction of hanging adapters into the hanging conveyor system.
  • a hanging conveyor system simplifies the detection of individual goods to be ejected.
  • a group of hanging adapters is arranged in a feed area and the hanging adapters are identified by the first identification unit, in particular when entering the feed area.
  • the number of hanging adapters that can be arranged simultaneously within the feed area is determined. It is advantageous if the number of hanging adapters, i.e. the length of the feed area, is designed in such a way that a maximum of one hanging adapter to be ejected is expected to be arranged in the feed area. The length of the feed area can therefore be determined in particular depending on the ejection rate.
  • the feed area has a length in the conveying direction such that ten hanging adapters can be arranged simultaneously in the feed area. can be arranged. If the pre-run area is chosen to be too small, there is a risk that the switch to the minimum conveying distance will take place too late and therefore a hanging adapter to be ejected will not be reliably ejected. If the pre-run area is chosen to be too large, there is a high risk that several hanging adapters to be ejected will be arranged in the pre-run area.
  • the length of the lead-in area corresponds to the distance along the conveying direction between the first identification unit and the singulation unit.
  • the first identification unit on the overhead conveyor system in a way that can be variably fixed along the conveying direction.
  • This makes it possible in particular to variably adjust the length of the lead area, in particular depending on the expected rejection rate.
  • the rejection rate can change in particular with the article inventory and/or with the number of overhead conveyor systems in an overhead conveyor system.
  • By variably defining the lead area its size can be adapted to the current rejection rate and thus a particularly high level of efficiency, i.e. a particularly high efficient conveying rate, can be ensured. This can be done manually, for example.
  • fastening devices for the first identification unit can be provided in a predefined grid.
  • the variable fastening the first identification unit can also be carried out continuously and/or automatically, for example by means of a displacement drive.
  • a suspended conveyor system according to claim 6 essentially has the advantages of suspended conveyor technology, to which reference is hereby made.
  • the method according to claim 7 has the advantages of the overhead conveyor technology, to which reference is hereby made. It is essential that, in particular depending on the first identification signal, a first or second control signal is generated by the control unit depending on whether a hanging adapter to be ejected has been identified. If this is the case, the conveying distance between the hanging adapters is extended to the required minimum conveying distance by means of the separating unit in order to ensure the reliable ejection of the corresponding hanging adapter.
  • a method according to claim 8 simplifies the identification of hanging adapters to be ejected.
  • identification means are provided on the hanging adapters, in particular an RFID chip or a graphic code such as a bar code or a QR code.
  • the identification units are designed as transponder readers for communicating with the RFID chip or as code readers for reading the barcode or QR code.
  • an RFID chip has a width, in particular a diameter, along the conveying direction of the overhead conveyor system that is smaller than a width of the overhead adapter that is also oriented along the conveying direction. This results in a minimum distance between two adjacent RFID chips, which are each arranged in particular integrated in the hanging adapter, along the conveying direction.
  • the first identification unit which is arranged upstream of the singulation unit, has a higher reading rate than the second identification unit.
  • the first identification unit is suitable for carrying out more reading processes per unit of time than the second identification unit. This is possible in particular by a targeted adaptation of the magnetic field distribution for the first identification unit.
  • a method according to claim 9 enables advantageous and space-saving intermediate storage of the hanging adapters.
  • a method according to claim 10 prevents an unintentional ejection of a hanging adapter.
  • the ejection element does not inadvertently receive an ejection signal.
  • a method according to claim 11 simplifies the monitoring, in particular automated, of the hanging adapters to be ejected.
  • a list in which hanging adapters are entered and from which the hanging adapters are removed is in particular an electronic list, which is kept in particular automatically, in particular in a central control unit. This makes it possible to immediately determine whether and, if so, how many hanging adapters are intended for ejection.
  • the adjustment of the conveying distance, in particular automated, is thereby simplified. The method can be carried out reliably and without fail.
  • a method according to claim 12 simplifies an automated switchover to the operating mode with an increased conveying rate.
  • the second actuating signal is always generated when the list of hanging adapters to be ejected has been emptied. This is particularly the case when all hanging adapters to be ejected have first been recorded by the first identification unit and entered into the list and then recorded by the second identification unit and a corresponding ejection signal has been transmitted to the ejection unit.
  • the hanging adapters recorded by the second identification unit are deleted from the list. When the last hanging adapter has been deleted from the list, i.e. removed, the list is empty.
  • this is ensured by the fact that the second actuating signal is only generated when all hanging adapters to be ejected have already been recorded by the second identification unit. A malfunction of the hanging conveyor technology is thus ruled out.
  • this method enables an increased conveying rate, since the switchover to conveying with the second conveying distance takes place automatically.
  • the overhead conveyor system which is shown purely schematically, is used to convey and pick individual items for orders.
  • the individual items are also referred to as articles.
  • the overhead conveyor system 1 comprises a warehouse 2 in which the individual items are stored.
  • the warehouse 2 can be designed as a manual warehouse or as an automatic warehouse.
  • the overhead conveyor system 1 also has a goods entrance 3, via which the individual items are fed to the overhead conveyor system 1, in particular from outside. Returned goods can also be fed to the goods entrance 3.
  • the goods receipt 3 is connected to the goods warehouse 2 by means of a conveyor system.
  • the conveyor system connection is implemented, for example, by a conveyor belt or a manual supply of the individual goods, which can also be present in containers in the goods receipt 3.
  • the overhead conveyor system 1 further comprises a loading station 4, at which the individual goods are placed, for example, in a conveyor pocket.
  • a loading station at which the individual goods are placed, for example, in a conveyor pocket.
  • the conveyor pockets are each loaded with one individual item.
  • the loading station is also referred to as a loading station.
  • the individual items that are loaded into the conveyor pockets are also referred to as flat goods.
  • the flat goods are conveyed hanging by means of the conveyor pockets in the overhead conveyor system 1. Additionally or alternatively, so-called hanging goods can also be placed at the loading station 4.
  • Hanging goods are individual goods, which is particularly promoted when hanging on a coat hanger, especially clothing.
  • the loading station 4 is also directly connected to the goods receipt 3 by conveyor technology. It is therefore possible to convey individual goods from the goods receipt 3 directly to the loading station 4 or to store them in the warehouse 2 and then convey them to the loading station 4.
  • the overhead conveyor system in such a way that there is no conveyor connection between the loading station 4 and the goods receipt 3 or between the loading station 4 and the warehouse 2.
  • the individual goods are conveyed manually from the warehouse 2 or the goods receipt 3 or the warehouse 2 to the loading station 4, for example by means of a spring-loaded trolley or pallet truck.
  • the conveyor bags and/or the coat hangers are each separated using a Fig.1 not shown in more detail in a rail system of the overhead conveyor system 1.
  • the roller adapter is also referred to as a hanging adapter 13.
  • the conveyor bags and/or the coat hangers are conveyed hanging by means of the hanging adapter 13.
  • the conveyor bags and/or the coat hangers each have an identification means, which is designed, for example, as an RFID chip or as an identification code, in particular as a bar code or as a QR code.
  • an RFID chip can be integrated in the hanging adapter 13.
  • Unique identification data is stored in the respective identification means.
  • the identification data is also referred to as hanging adapter data. By means of the identification data, the respective hanging adapter can be clearly identified with the individual item conveyed hanging on it. identifiable and in particular controllable along the overhead conveyor system 1. In particular, it is possible to track and control the conveying path of the individual goods along the overhead conveyor system 1.
  • the conveyor pockets and/or the coat hangers are each positively connected to one of the hanging adapters 13.
  • the conveyor pockets and/or the coat hangers each have a hook that can be hooked into a corresponding recess in the hanging adapter 13.
  • the hanging adapter 13 can also be designed in the shape of a hook and in particular can be hooked into a recess in the conveyor pocket and/or the coat hanger.
  • the overhead conveyor system 1 comprises a sorting unit 5 for sorting the individual goods, i.e. for changing the order of the individual goods in the flow of goods.
  • a buffer unit 24 is arranged, which has at least one and in particular several circulating storage units 6, wherein Fig.1 For reasons of illustration, only a single circulating storage unit 6 is shown.
  • the sorting unit 5 is connected to the buffer unit 24 by conveyor technology and the buffer unit 24 is connected to the loading station 4 by conveyor technology.
  • the buffer unit 24 serves for the temporary buffering of the individual goods and in particular for assembling the individual goods in the sorting device into logical groups.
  • the individual goods are combined into groups of individual goods that form an order.
  • groups of individual goods that are part of an order can be formed.
  • the individual goods are sorted in the sorting unit 5 in a required order.
  • the overhead conveyor system 1 comprises a central control unit 7, which enables a signal connection with other components of the overhead conveyor system 1.
  • the signal connection can be wired or wireless.
  • a wireless, radio-based signal connection is possible in Fig.1 represented by a symbol 8 for radio transmission.
  • the sorting unit 5 is connected by conveyor technology to at least one and in particular to several packing stations 9.
  • the individual items of an order are conveyed from the sorting unit 5 to one of the packing stations 9.
  • the individual items are unloaded, i.e. removed from the conveyor pockets and/or the coat hangers are removed from the hanging adapters 13 and packed, in particular manually.
  • the individual items are packed according to the order and in particular conveyed order by order to a goods exit 10, which is connected by conveyor technology to the packing stations 9.
  • the circulating storage 6 forms a suspended conveyor system.
  • the circulating storage 6 has a first suspended conveyor section 11, which is designed to be linear, in particular straight, in particular with respect to the conveying direction 12.
  • the first suspended conveyor section 11 is designed in particular as a conveyor rail in which the suspended adapters 13 are conveyed in a suspended manner.
  • Such a rail system and the suspended adapters 13 that can be conveyed therein for the suspended conveyor system 1 are made of EN 10 2005 006 455 A1 known.
  • explicit reference is made here.
  • the first overhead conveyor section 11 is arranged in particular along the conveying direction 12 at an angle downwards relative to the vertical, so that the hanging adapters 13 are automatically conveyed along the conveying direction 12 on the first overhead conveyor section 11 due to gravity. Additionally or alternatively, the first overhead conveyor section 11 can also have a conveyor drive (not shown in detail) in order to convey the hanging adapters 13 along the conveying direction 12. If a conveyor drive is provided, the first overhead conveyor section 11 can also be oriented horizontally or so as to rise relative to the horizontal.
  • the first overhead conveyor section 11 is followed by a functional overhead conveyor section 14 along the conveying direction 12.
  • the functional overhead conveyor section 14 forms a functional unit of the circulating storage 6.
  • the functional overhead conveyor section 14 is designed to be non-linear, in particular semicircular or U-shaped.
  • a conveyor drive 23 is arranged on the functional overhead conveyor line 14 in order to drive the hanging adapters 13 along the functional overhead conveyor line 14.
  • the functional overhead conveyor section 14 is followed by a second overhead conveyor section 15, which is designed in particular to be identical to the first overhead conveyor section 11.
  • the overhead conveyor sections 11, 15 are oriented parallel to one another.
  • the conveying direction 12 in the area of the second overhead conveyor section 15 is oriented in particular antiparallel to the conveying direction 12 in the area of the first overhead conveyor section 11.
  • the hanging conveyor lines 11, 14, 15, 16 form the closed circulating storage 6, which enables endless conveying of the hanging adapters 13 in the circulating storage 6.
  • An infeed element 17 is arranged on the connecting overhead conveyor line 16.
  • the infeed element 17 enables the infeed of hanging adapters 13, which are conveyed in particular from the feed station 4, into the circulating storage 6.
  • a discharge element 18 is arranged on the functional overhead conveyor line 14, which enables the discharge of hanging adapters 13 from the circulation storage 6, in particular to convey the discharged hanging adapters 13 to the packing stations 9.
  • the discharge element 18 is designed in particular in the form of a switchable switch, which, depending on the switch position, causes the hanging adapters 13 to be conveyed along the functional overhead conveyor line 14 or to the packing stations 9.
  • a separating unit 19 is arranged upstream of the functional overhead conveyor section 14 and in particular between the first overhead conveyor section 11 and the functional overhead conveyor section 14.
  • the separating unit 19 is designed to be switchable and enables hanging adapters 13 to be placed individually into the functional overhead conveyor section 14.
  • a first identification unit 20 is arranged upstream of the singulation unit 19.
  • the first identification unit 20 is arranged in the area of the first overhead conveyor line 11.
  • the first identification unit 20 is designed as a transponder reader.
  • the first identification unit is suitable for contactlessly recording the hanging adapter data stored in the identification means on the hanging adapter 13. In particular, it is not necessary to stop the hanging adapters 13 in the area of the first identification unit 20 to read the data.
  • the first identification unit 20 enables the data to be read out as the hanging adapters 13 move past.
  • the first identification unit 20 is arranged at a distance A from the singling unit 19. Between the first identification unit 20 and the singling unit 19, a so-called lead area 21 is defined.
  • the lead distance A corresponds to the length of the lead area 21.
  • the length of the lead area 21 is in particular dimensioned such that several hanging adapters 13 can be arranged in the lead area, i.e. that several hanging adapters 13 can be arranged between the first identification unit 20 and the singulation unit 19.
  • the length of the lead-in area 21 is in particular dimensioned such that a plurality of hanging adapters 13, in particular at least five hanging adapters 13, in particular at least ten hanging adapters 13, in particular at least twenty hanging adapters 13 and in particular at least fifty hanging adapters 13 can be arranged between the first identification unit 20 and the singling unit 19. It is advantageous if the first identification unit 20 can be fixed in a variable position along the first hanging conveyor section 11, so that in particular the length of the lead-in area 21 can be set in a variable manner.
  • a second identification unit 22 is arranged downstream of the singling unit 19.
  • the second identification unit 22 is designed in particular to be identical to the first identification unit 20.
  • the second identification unit is arranged in the area of the functional overhead conveyor line 14.
  • the second identification unit 22 is arranged in particular between the singling unit 19 and the discharge element 18.
  • the control unit 7 is in particular in signal connection with the discharge element 18, the separation unit 19 and the identification units 20, 22, in particular in bidirectional signal connection.
  • Individual items are fed from the loading station 4 to the circulation storage unit 6 via the infeed element 17, either hanging on coat hangers or in a conveyor pocket on the hanging adapters 13.
  • the hanging adapters 13 are conveyed along the first hanging conveyor section 11 and accumulated at the singling unit 19.
  • the hanging adapters 13 Before the hanging adapters 13 arrive at the separation unit 19, they pass through the first identification unit 20.
  • the hanging adapters 13 are identified using the identification means located thereon, i.e. the hanging adapter data is read out and a corresponding first identification signal is generated in the identification unit.
  • the first identification signal is transmitted from the first identification unit 20 to the control unit 7.
  • a corresponding control signal is generated in the control unit 7.
  • a first control signal is generated if there is at least one hanging adapter 13 to be ejected in the feed area 21.
  • a second control signal is generated if there is no hanging adapter 13 to be ejected in the feed area 21. According to the illustration in Fig.1 There are no hanging adapters 13 to be removed in the flow area 21. Accordingly, according to the arrangement in Fig.2 the second control signal is generated.
  • the second control signal is sent from the control unit 7 to the separation unit 19.
  • the singling unit 19 singulates the hanging adapters 13 with a second conveying distance d 2 . Since the hanging adapters 13 identified by means of the second identification unit 22 do not have to be discharged, the second conveying distance d 2 can be selected to be comparatively small. This means that the hanging adapter density along the functional hanging conveyor section 14 is comparatively high. In the event that no hanging adapters 13 are provided in the lead-in area 21 for a discharge process, the individual goods can be conveyed at a comparatively high conveying rate.
  • control unit 7 transmits a deactivation signal to the second identification unit 22.
  • the deactivation signal is generated in the control unit 7 in particular automatically if no hanging adapter 13 to be ejected is arranged in the feed area 21.
  • the deactivation signal is generated in conjunction with the second actuating signal, in particular before, at the same time or after. Since ejection of hanging adapters 13 from the circulating storage 6 is not provided, the second identification unit 22 can be deactivated. The risk of hanging adapters 13 being ejected inadvertently is prevented if the second identification unit 22 is deactivated.
  • the first identification unit 20 identifies a hanging adapter 13 that is to be ejected because it is associated with an order that is intended for picking, a corresponding identification signal is generated so that the control unit generates the first control signal and transmits it to the singling unit 19.
  • the hanging adapters 13 are separated by the singling unit 19 with a first conveying distance d 1 , which is in particular greater than the second conveying distance d 2 .
  • the second conveying distance d 2 is in particular at most 70% of the first conveying distance di, in particular at most 60%, in particular at most 50%, in particular at most 40%, in particular at most 30% and in particular at most 20%.
  • the second conveying distance d 2 corresponds to a minimum conveying distance d min that is required in order to reliably and in particular collision-free discharge the hanging adapter 13 to be discharged by means of the discharge element 18 from the hanging conveyor system 6, i.e. the circulating storage unit 6.
  • the second identification unit 22 Since the hanging adapters 13 fed to the functional hanging conveyor line 14 are now at least partially intended for discharge, the second identification unit 22 is activated again.
  • the control unit 7 transmits an activation signal to the second identification unit 22, in particular when the first actuating signal is generated in the control unit 7.
  • the overhead conveyor system 6 can be operated in two different modes.
  • the hanging adapters 13 can also be conveyed in the area of the functional hanging conveyor section 14 with a small conveying distance d 2 , in particular with a minimum conveying distance d min .
  • the circulating storage 6 enables a high conveying rate.
  • the singling unit 19 enables a variable setting of the singling distance, i.e. the conveying distance between the hanging adapters 13.
  • the first identification unit 20 hanging adapters 13 that are to be discharged later are detected at an early stage in order to enable a change in the conveying distance via the singling unit 19.
  • the second mode according to Fig.2 in particular automated, in the first mode according to Fig.1 is switched back.
  • This makes it possible to operate the overhead conveyor system 1 and in particular the overhead conveyor technology 6 with the highest possible throughput rate, i.e. conveyor rate.
  • a particularly automated switch back from the second mode to the first mode is possible, for example, by the identification units 20, 22 accessing a list that is kept in the control unit 7. As soon as the first identification unit 20 identifies a hanging adapter 13 to be ejected, this is entered in the list. If this hanging adapter 13 passes the second identification unit 22 and is identified there, this hanging adapter 13 is deleted from the list again. This means that the hanging conveyor system 6 is always operated in the second mode, i.e. with an increased conveying distance d 1 , if the list has at least one entry. As soon as the list is empty, i.e. has no entry, an automatic switchover to the first mode with the minimum conveying distance d min occurs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Conveyors (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Chain Conveyers (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Hängefördertechnik und ein Verfahren zum Fördern von Hängeadaptern sowie eine Hängeförderanlage mit einer derartigen Hängefördertechnik.The invention relates to a hanging conveyor technology and a method for conveying hanging adapters as well as a hanging conveyor system with such a hanging conveyor technology.

EP 1 293 455 A1 offenbart eine Hängefördertechnik gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und ein Verfahren zum Einlagern von Fördergut-Teilen in einen Speicher und zur Ausgabe von ausgewählten Fördergut-Teilen. EP 1 293 455 A1 discloses a hanging conveyor technology according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for storing conveyed goods in a storage facility and for dispensing selected conveyed goods.

Es ist bekannt, Einzelwaren mittels Hängeadaptern in einer Hängeförderanlage hängend zu fördern und zu kommissionieren. Im Rahmen der Kommissionierung werden die Einzelwaren nach Aufträgen sortiert, gegebenenfalls zwischengespeichert und zu Packplätzen zum Verpacken der Einzelwaren für den Versand gefördert. Das Sortieren und/oder Zwischenspeichern der Einzelwaren erfolgt in mindestens einem Zwischenspeicher, aus dem die einem Auftrag zugehörigen Einzelwaren gezielt ausgeschleust und zu den Packplätzen gefördert werden. Dieser Vorgang wird auch als Pickprozess beschrieben. Um die auszuschleusenden Einzelwaren in dem Zwischenspeicher zuverlässig zu identifizieren, ist es erforderlich, die Hängeadapter entlang der Förderrichtung mit einem erforderlichen Mindestabstand zu fördern. Dadurch ist die Förderrate, also die Anzahl der pro Zeiteinheit geförderten Hängeadapter, reduziert. Insbesondere bei einer geringen Ausschleusequote ist der Warenfluss in der Hängeförderanlage unnötig reduziert.It is known to convey and pick individual items using hanging adapters in an overhead conveyor system. During picking, the individual items are sorted according to orders, temporarily stored if necessary, and transported to packing stations where the individual items are packed for shipping. The sorting and/or temporary storage of the individual items takes place in at least one temporary storage area, from which the individual items belonging to an order are specifically discharged and conveyed to the packing stations. This process is also described as a picking process. In order to reliably identify the individual items to be discharged in the temporary storage area, it is necessary to convey the hanging adapters along the conveying direction with a required minimum distance. This reduces the conveying rate, i.e. the number of hanging adapters conveyed per unit of time. The flow of goods in the overhead conveyor system is unnecessarily reduced, particularly with a low discharge rate.

Es ist die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, das Kommissionieren von hängend geförderten Einzelwaren zu verbessern, insbesondere den Warendurchsatz zu erhöhen, insbesondere auch bei geringen Ausschleusequoten, und insbesondere einen zuverlässigen Ausschleusevorgang zu garantieren.It is the object of the present invention to improve the order picking of individual goods conveyed in a hanging manner, in particular to increase the goods throughput, especially even with low rejection rates, and in particular to guarantee a reliable rejection process.

Diese Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch eine Hängefördertechnik mit den im Anspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmalen, durch eine Hängeförderanlage mit den im Anspruch 6 angegebenen Merkmalen und durch ein Verfahren mit den im Anspruch 7 angegebenen Merkmalen.This object is achieved according to the invention by an overhead conveyor technology having the features specified in claim 1, by an overhead conveyor system having the features specified in claim 6 and by a method having the features specified in claim 7.

Erfindungsgemäß wurde erkannt, dass aus einem Strom von Einzelwaren, die jeweils mittels eines Hängeadapters hängend gefördert werden, lediglich ein Anteil aus einer Hängefördertechnik ausgeschleust und beispielsweise zu einem Packplatz gefördert wird. Um diesen Anteil der Einzelwaren zuverlässig ausschleusen zu können, ist es erforderlich, einen Mindest-Förderabstand entlang der Förderrichtung der Hängeadapter sicherzustellen, um ein zuverlässiges Identifizieren und anschließendes Ausschleusen der betreffenden Hängeadapter zu gewährleisten. Der Mindest-Förderabstand ergibt sich insbesondere aus dem Ausschleusevorgang der Hängeadapter und insbesondere durch ein Ausschleuseelement, das für den Ausschleusevorgang genutzt wird. Insbesondere wird das Ausschleuseelement zwischen einer Ausschleusestellung und einer Förderstellung geschaltet. Je schneller der Schaltvorgang erfolgt, desto kleiner kann der Mindest-Förderabstand festgelegt werden. Je kleiner der Mindest-Förderabstand ist, desto höher ist die Förderrate mit der Hängeförderanlage. Es wurde aber auch erkannt, dass für die nicht-auszuschleusenden Hängeadapter dieser Mindest-Förderabstand nicht erforderlich ist. Nicht-auszuschleusende Hängeadapter können also mit einem geringeren Förderabstand gefördert und an dem Ausschleuseelement vorbeigeführt werden. Dadurch kann die Förderrate immer dann, wenn kein Ausschleusevorgang stattfindet, erhöht werden. Insbesondere bei geringen Ausschleusequoten, von beispielsweise weniger als 50 %, insbesondere von weniger als 40 %, insbesondere von weniger als 30 %, insbesondere von weniger als 20 %, insbesondere von weniger als 15 % und insbesondere von höchstens 10 %, ist die Gesamtförderquote dadurch erhöht. Als Ausschleusequote wird die Anzahl der auszuschleusenden Hängeadapter bezogen auf die Gesamtanzahl der betrachteten und/oder identifizierten Hängeadapter in der Hängefördertechnik verstanden.According to the invention, it was recognized that from a flow of individual goods, each of which is conveyed hanging by means of a hanging adapter, only a portion is discharged from a hanging conveyor system and conveyed to a packing station, for example. In order to be able to reliably discharge this portion of the individual goods, it is necessary to ensure a minimum conveying distance along the conveying direction of the hanging adapters in order to ensure reliable identification and subsequent discharge of the hanging adapters in question. The minimum conveying distance results in particular from the discharge process of the hanging adapters and in particular from a discharge element that is used for the discharge process. In particular, the discharge element is switched between a discharge position and a conveying position. The faster the switching process takes place, the smaller the minimum conveying distance can be set. The smaller the minimum conveying distance, the higher the conveying rate with the hanging conveyor system. However, it was also recognized that this minimum conveying distance is not required for the hanging adapters that are not to be discharged. Hanging adapters that cannot be ejected can therefore be conveyed with a smaller conveying distance and the discharge element. This means that the conveying rate can be increased whenever no discharge process is taking place. In particular with low discharge rates, for example less than 50%, in particular less than 40%, in particular less than 30%, in particular less than 20%, in particular less than 15% and in particular no more than 10%, the overall conveying rate is increased. The discharge rate is understood to be the number of hanging adapters to be discharged in relation to the total number of hanging adapters considered and/or identified in the hanging conveyor technology.

Erfindungsgemäß wurde also erkannt, dass die Förderdichte der Hängeadapter entlang der Förderrichtung veränderlich eingestellt werden kann, insbesondere in Abhängigkeit eines bevorstehenden Ausschleusevorgangs und insbesondere in Abhängigkeit davon, ob der nächste Hängeadapter auszuschleusen ist oder nicht.According to the invention, it was therefore recognized that the conveying density of the hanging adapters can be variably adjusted along the conveying direction, in particular depending on an impending ejection process and in particular depending on whether the next hanging adapter is to be ejected or not.

Diese Erkennung erfolgt erfindungsgemäß zweistufig mittels einer ersten und einer zweiten Identifikationseinheit. Die erste Identifikationseinheit identifiziert in einer ersten Stufe, ob in einer Menge von Hängeadaptern mindestens ein Hängeadapter vorhanden ist, der nachfolgend ausgeschleust werden soll. Die erste Identifikationseinheit ermöglicht also eine Vor-Erkennung. Die Vor-Erkennung erfolgt insbesondere, bevor der Förderabstand zwischen zwei benachbarten Hängeadaptern veränderlich festgelegt wird.According to the invention, this detection takes place in two stages by means of a first and a second identification unit. In a first stage, the first identification unit identifies whether there is at least one hanging adapter in a set of hanging adapters that is to be subsequently ejected. The first identification unit therefore enables pre-detection. Pre-detection takes place in particular before the conveying distance between two adjacent hanging adapters is variably determined.

Stromabwärts der ersten Identifikationseinheit ist eine Vereinzelungseinheit angeordnet, wobei die Vereinzelungseinheit ein vereinzeltes Fördern der Hängeadapter mit unterschiedlichen Förderabständen ermöglicht. Für den Fall, dass von der ersten Identifikationseinheit keine auszuschleusenden Hängeadapter identifiziert worden sind, erfolgt die Vereinzelung mit einem Förderabstand, der kleiner ist als der Mindest-Förderabstand. Dadurch ist die Förderquote, also die Förderrate, erhöht. Für den Fall, dass mittels der ersten Identifikationseinheit mindestens ein auszuschleusender Hängeadapter identifiziert worden ist, werden die Hängeadapter nachfolgend mit dem erforderlichen Mindest-Förderabstand mittels der Vereinzelungseinheit vereinzelt und in der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke gefördert. Dadurch ist ein zuverlässiges Ausschleusen der Hängeadapter mittels des Ausschleuseelements sichergestellt. Der Mindest-Förderabstand ergibt sich insbesondere aus der Fördergeschwindigkeit entlang der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke und/oder dem Ausschleuseelement. Von der Steuerungseinheit wird ein entsprechendes Stellsignal erzeugt und an die Vereinzelungseinheit übermittelt.A separating unit is arranged downstream of the first identification unit, whereby the separating unit enables the hanging adapters to be conveyed individually at different conveying distances. For If the first identification unit has not identified any hanging adapters to be ejected, the separation takes place at a conveying distance that is smaller than the minimum conveying distance. This increases the conveying quota, i.e. the conveying rate. If the first identification unit has identified at least one hanging adapter to be ejected, the hanging adapters are then separated at the required minimum conveying distance using the separation unit and conveyed along the functional hanging conveyor line. This ensures that the hanging adapters are reliably ejected using the ejection element. The minimum conveying distance results in particular from the conveying speed along the functional hanging conveyor line and/or the ejection element. A corresponding control signal is generated by the control unit and transmitted to the separation unit.

Mittels einer zweiten Identifikationseinheit werden in einer zweiten Stufe die Hängeadapter einzeln identifiziert. Wenn der identifizierte Hängeadapter zum Ausschleusen vorgesehen ist, weil er einem zu kommissionierenden Auftrag angehört, wird ein Ausschleusesignal erzeugt und an das Ausschleuseelement zum Ausschleusen der Hängeadapter übermittelt.In a second stage, the hanging adapters are individually identified using a second identification unit. If the identified hanging adapter is intended for rejection because it belongs to an order to be picked, a rejection signal is generated and transmitted to the rejection element for rejecting the hanging adapters.

Die Identifikationseinheiten sind derart ausgeführt, dass sie Daten aus dem Hängeadapter auslesen und in Kommunikation mit einer Steuerungseinheit identifizieren, ob der jeweilige Hängeadapter Einzelwaren fördert, die zur Ausschleusung anstehen. Insbesondere sind mittels des Identifikationsmittels Hängeadapterdaten gespeichert, die durch die Identifikationseinheiten, insbesondere kontaktlos, ausgelesen werden können, insbesondere im Vorbeifahren der Hängeadapter. Die Hängeadapterdaten enthalten insbesondere Informationen zu der geförderten Einzelware und insbesondere zu der Auftragszugehörigkeit. Wenn die an dem Hängeadapter geförderte Einzelware einem zu kommissionierenden Auftrag zugehörig ist, ist die Einzelware, also der Hängeadapter, aus der Hängefördertechnik auszuschleusen.The identification units are designed in such a way that they read data from the hanging adapter and, in communication with a control unit, identify whether the respective hanging adapter is conveying individual items that are waiting to be discharged. In particular, hanging adapter data is stored by means of the identification means, which can be read by the identification units, in particular contactlessly, in particular when the hanging adapter passes by. The hanging adapter data contains in particular information on the individual item conveyed and in particular on the Order affiliation. If the individual item conveyed on the hanging adapter belongs to an order to be picked, the individual item, i.e. the hanging adapter, must be removed from the hanging conveyor system.

Wesentlich ist, dass die Steuerungseinheit ein automatisiertes Fördern der Hängeadapter in der Hängefördertechnik und ein automatisiertes Ausschleusen von Hängeadaptern aus der Hängefördertechnik ermöglicht. Dazu ist die Steuerungseinheit mit dem Ausschleuseelement, den Identifikationseinheiten und der Vereinzelungseinheit in Signalverbindung, insbesondere in bidirektionaler Signalverbindung.It is essential that the control unit enables automated conveying of the hanging adapters in the overhead conveyor system and automated ejection of hanging adapters from the overhead conveyor system. For this purpose, the control unit is in signal connection with the ejection element, the identification units and the separation unit, in particular in a bidirectional signal connection.

Dadurch, dass in Abhängigkeit der im Bereich des Ausschleuseelements geförderten Hängeadapter der Förderabstand veränderlich festlegbar ist, kann sowohl der erforderliche Mindest-Förderabstand für das zuverlässige Ausschleusen von Hängeadaptern als auch ein reduzierter Förderabstand für nicht-auszuschleusende Hängeadapter und damit eine erhöhte Förderrate garantiert werden. Das Fördern und Kommissionieren von Einzelwaren ist zuverlässig und mit einer insgesamt erhöhten Förderrate möglich.Because the conveying distance can be set variably depending on the hanging adapters conveyed in the area of the discharge element, both the required minimum conveying distance for the reliable discharge of hanging adapters and a reduced conveying distance for hanging adapters that are not to be discharged can be guaranteed, thus increasing the conveying rate. The conveying and picking of individual items is reliable and possible with an overall increased conveying rate.

Erfindungsgemäß ist eine adaptive Anpassung des Förderabstands in Abhängigkeit des jeweils identifizierten Hängeadapters möglich, wobei diese Anpassung aufgrund der Vor-Erkennung mittels der ersten Identifikationseinheit, die der Vereinzelungseinheit vorgeschaltet ist, besonders effizient erfolgt.According to the invention, an adaptive adjustment of the conveying distance is possible depending on the hanging adapter identified in each case, whereby this adjustment is carried out particularly efficiently due to the pre-detection by means of the first identification unit, which is connected upstream of the singulation unit.

Eine Hängefördertechnik, bei der die Vereinzelungseinheit mittels der Steuereinheit derart steuerbar, dass ein entlang der Förderrichtung orientierter Förderabstand zwischen zwei benachbarten Hängeadaptern veränderlich festlegbar ist, vereinfacht die veränderliche Festlegung des Förderabstands.A hanging conveyor technology in which the separation unit can be controlled by means of the control unit in such a way that a conveying distance oriented along the conveying direction between two adjacent hanging adapters can be changed can be set, simplifies the variable setting of the conveying distance.

Eine Hängefördertechnik gemäß Anspruch 2 ist besonders effizient. Ein Umlaufspeicher ermöglicht ein endlos umlaufendes Zwischenspeichern von Hängeadaptern. Derartige Umlaufspeicher werden auch als rotierende Speichersysteme bezeichnet.A hanging conveyor technology according to claim 2 is particularly efficient. A circulating storage system enables hanging adapters to be stored continuously. Such circulating storage systems are also referred to as rotating storage systems.

Eine Hängefördertechnik gemäß Anspruch 3 ermöglicht eine unkomplizierte konstruktive Ausgestaltung.A hanging conveyor technology according to claim 3 enables an uncomplicated structural design.

Eine Hängefördertechnik gemäß Anspruch 4 ermöglicht das flexible Einschleusen von Hängeadaptern in die Hängefördertechnik.A hanging conveyor system according to claim 4 enables the flexible introduction of hanging adapters into the hanging conveyor system.

Eine Hängefördertechnik gemäß Anspruch 5 vereinfacht das Erkennen auszuschleusender Einzelwaren. In einem Vorlaufbereich wird eine Gruppe von Hängeadaptern angeordnet und die Hängeadapter insbesondere beim Einfahren in den Vorlaufbereich von der ersten Identifikationseinheit identifiziert. Durch die Festlegung der Länge des Vorlaufbereichs wird die Anzahl der Hängeadapter, die innerhalb des Vorlaufbereichs gleichzeitig anordenbar sind, festgelegt. Dabei ist es vorteilhaft, wenn die Anzahl der Hängeadapter, also die Länge des Vorlaufbereichs insbesondere so ausgeführt ist, dass erwartungsgemäß im Vorlaufbereich maximal ein auszuschleusender Hängeadapter angeordnet sein wird. Die Länge des Vorlaufbereichs kann also insbesondere in Abhängigkeit der Ausschleusequote festgelegt werden. Wenn die Ausschleusequote beispielsweise 10 % beträgt, bedeutet dies, dass durchschnittlich einer von zehn Hängeadaptern ausgeschleust wird. In diesem Fall hat der Vorlaufbereich eine Länge in Förderrichtung derart, dass zehn Hängeadapter gleichzeitig im Vorlaufbereich angeordnet sein können. Wenn der Vorlaufbereich zu klein gewählt wird, besteht ein Risiko, dass das Umschalten auf den Mindest-Förderabstand zu spät erfolgt und deshalb ein auszuschleusender Hängeadapter nicht zuverlässig ausgeschleust wird. Wenn der Vorlaufbereich zu groß gewählt wird, ist das Risiko groß, dass mehrere auszuschleusende Hängeadapter in dem Vorlaufbereich angeordnet sind. Das bedeutet, dass zu häufig der Mindest-Förderabstand angewendet wird, obwohl beispielsweise zwischen zwei auszuschleusenden Hängeadaptern eine Reihe von nicht auszuschleusenden Hängeadaptern gefördert werden. Wenn der Vorlaufbereich zu groß gewählt wird, verpufft der erfindungsgemäße Effekt der vorübergehenden Steigerung der Förderrate.A hanging conveyor system according to claim 5 simplifies the detection of individual goods to be ejected. A group of hanging adapters is arranged in a feed area and the hanging adapters are identified by the first identification unit, in particular when entering the feed area. By determining the length of the feed area, the number of hanging adapters that can be arranged simultaneously within the feed area is determined. It is advantageous if the number of hanging adapters, i.e. the length of the feed area, is designed in such a way that a maximum of one hanging adapter to be ejected is expected to be arranged in the feed area. The length of the feed area can therefore be determined in particular depending on the ejection rate. If the ejection rate is 10%, for example, this means that on average one in ten hanging adapters is ejected. In this case, the feed area has a length in the conveying direction such that ten hanging adapters can be arranged simultaneously in the feed area. can be arranged. If the pre-run area is chosen to be too small, there is a risk that the switch to the minimum conveying distance will take place too late and therefore a hanging adapter to be ejected will not be reliably ejected. If the pre-run area is chosen to be too large, there is a high risk that several hanging adapters to be ejected will be arranged in the pre-run area. This means that the minimum conveying distance is applied too often, even though, for example, a series of hanging adapters that are not to be ejected are being conveyed between two hanging adapters to be ejected. If the pre-run area is chosen to be too large, the inventive effect of temporarily increasing the conveying rate fizzles out.

Insbesondere entspricht die Länge des Vorlaufbereichs dem Abstand entlang der Förderrichtung zwischen der ersten Identifikationseinheit und der Vereinzelungseinheit.In particular, the length of the lead-in area corresponds to the distance along the conveying direction between the first identification unit and the singulation unit.

Es ist insbesondere vorteilhaft, die erste Identifikationseinheit entlang der Förderrichtung veränderlich festlegbar an der Hängefördertechnik anzuordnen. Dadurch ist es insbesondere möglich, die Länge des Vorlaufbereichs, insbesondere in Abhängigkeit der zu erwartenden Ausschleusequote, veränderlich anzupassen. Die Ausschleusequote kann sich insbesondere mit dem Artikelbestand und/oder mit der Anzahl der Hängefördertechniken in einer Hängeförderanlage verändern. Durch die veränderliche Festlegung des Vorlaufbereichs kann dessen Größe an die aktuelle Ausschleusequote angepasst werden und damit eine besonders hohe Effizienz, also eine besonders hohe effiziente Förderrate, sichergestellt werden. Dies kann beispielsweise manuell erfolgen. Beispielsweise können Befestigungsvorrichtungen für die erste Identifikationseinheit in einem vordefinierten Raster vorgesehen sein. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann die veränderliche Befestigung der ersten Identifikationseinheit auch stufenlos und/oder automatisiert, beispielsweise mittels eines Verlagerungsantriebs erfolgen.It is particularly advantageous to arrange the first identification unit on the overhead conveyor system in a way that can be variably fixed along the conveying direction. This makes it possible in particular to variably adjust the length of the lead area, in particular depending on the expected rejection rate. The rejection rate can change in particular with the article inventory and/or with the number of overhead conveyor systems in an overhead conveyor system. By variably defining the lead area, its size can be adapted to the current rejection rate and thus a particularly high level of efficiency, i.e. a particularly high efficient conveying rate, can be ensured. This can be done manually, for example. For example, fastening devices for the first identification unit can be provided in a predefined grid. In addition or alternatively, the variable fastening the first identification unit can also be carried out continuously and/or automatically, for example by means of a displacement drive.

Eine Hängeförderanlage gemäß Anspruch 6 weist im Wesentlichen die Vorteile der Hängefördertechnik auf, worauf hiermit verwiesen wird.A suspended conveyor system according to claim 6 essentially has the advantages of suspended conveyor technology, to which reference is hereby made.

Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 7 weist die Vorteile der Hängefördertechnik auf, worauf hiermit verwiesen wird. Wesentlich ist, dass insbesondere in Abhängigkeit des ersten Identifikationssignals von der Steuerungseinheit ein erstes oder zweites Stellsignal erzeugt wird in Abhängigkeit davon, ob ein auszuschleusender Hängeadapter identifiziert worden ist. Wenn dies der Fall ist, wird der Förderabstand zwischen den Hängeadaptern mittels der Vereinzelungseinheit auf den erforderlichen Mindest-Förderabstand erweitert, um das zuverlässige Ausschleusen des entsprechenden Hängeadapters zu gewährleisten.The method according to claim 7 has the advantages of the overhead conveyor technology, to which reference is hereby made. It is essential that, in particular depending on the first identification signal, a first or second control signal is generated by the control unit depending on whether a hanging adapter to be ejected has been identified. If this is the case, the conveying distance between the hanging adapters is extended to the required minimum conveying distance by means of the separating unit in order to ensure the reliable ejection of the corresponding hanging adapter.

Ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8 vereinfacht das Identifizieren auszuschleusender Hängeadapter. Dazu sind an den Hängeadaptern insbesondere Identifikationsmittel vorgesehen, insbesondere ein RFID-Chip oder ein grafischer Code wie beispielsweise ein Strichcode oder ein QR-Code.A method according to claim 8 simplifies the identification of hanging adapters to be ejected. For this purpose, identification means are provided on the hanging adapters, in particular an RFID chip or a graphic code such as a bar code or a QR code.

Entsprechend sind die Identifikationseinheiten als Transponderleser zum Kommunizieren mit dem RFID-Chip oder als Code-Leser zum Erfassen des Strichcodes oder des QR-Codes ausgeführt.Accordingly, the identification units are designed as transponder readers for communicating with the RFID chip or as code readers for reading the barcode or QR code.

Insbesondere weist ein RFID-Chip entlang der Förderrichtung der Hängeförderanlage eine Breite, insbesondere einen Durchmesser, auf, der kleiner ist als eine ebenfalls entlang der Förderrichtung orientierte Breite des Hängeadapters. Daraus ergibt sich ein Mindestabstand zwei benachbarter RFID-Chips, die insbesondere jeweils in dem Hängeadapter integriert angeordnet sind, entlang der Förderrichtung. Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn die erste Identifikationseinheit, die stromaufwärts der Vereinzelungseinheit angeordnet ist, eine höhere Leserate aufweist, als die zweite Identifikationseinheit. Insbesondere ist die erste Identifikationseinheit geeignet, mehr Lesevorgänge pro Zeiteinheit durchzuführen als die zweite Identifikationseinheit. Dies ist insbesondere möglich durch eine gezielte Anpassung der magnetischen Feldverteilung für die erste Identifikationseinheit.In particular, an RFID chip has a width, in particular a diameter, along the conveying direction of the overhead conveyor system that is smaller than a width of the overhead adapter that is also oriented along the conveying direction. This results in a minimum distance between two adjacent RFID chips, which are each arranged in particular integrated in the hanging adapter, along the conveying direction. It is advantageous if the first identification unit, which is arranged upstream of the singulation unit, has a higher reading rate than the second identification unit. In particular, the first identification unit is suitable for carrying out more reading processes per unit of time than the second identification unit. This is possible in particular by a targeted adaptation of the magnetic field distribution for the first identification unit.

Ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 9 ermöglicht ein vorteilhaftes und platzsparendes Zwischenspeichern der Hängeadapter.A method according to claim 9 enables advantageous and space-saving intermediate storage of the hanging adapters.

Ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 10 vermeidet ein unbeabsichtigtes Ausschleusen eines Hängeadapters. Insbesondere ist sichergestellt, dass das Ausschleuseelement nicht unbeabsichtigterweise ein Ausschleusesignal erhält. Insbesondere ist dadurch eine Kollision ausgeschlossen, weil beispielsweise ein Ausschleusevorgang eingeleitet wird, obwohl die Hängeadapter mit zu geringem Förderabstand gefördert werden.A method according to claim 10 prevents an unintentional ejection of a hanging adapter. In particular, it is ensured that the ejection element does not inadvertently receive an ejection signal. In particular, this excludes a collision because, for example, an ejection process is initiated even though the hanging adapters are being conveyed with too small a conveying distance.

Ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 11 vereinfacht das, insbesondere automatisierte, Überwachen der auszuschleusenden Hängeadapter. Eine Liste, in die Hängeadapter eingetragen und aus der die Hängeadapter wieder ausgetragen werden, ist insbesondere eine elektronische Liste, die insbesondere automatisiert geführt wird, insbesondere in einer zentralen Steuerungseinheit. Dadurch kann unmittelbar abgeleitet werden, ob und wenn ja, wie viele, Hängeadapter zum Ausschleusen vorgesehen sind. Die Anpassung des Förderabstands, insbesondere automatisiert, ist dadurch vereinfacht. Das Verfahren ist zuverlässig und fehlersicher durchführbar.A method according to claim 11 simplifies the monitoring, in particular automated, of the hanging adapters to be ejected. A list in which hanging adapters are entered and from which the hanging adapters are removed is in particular an electronic list, which is kept in particular automatically, in particular in a central control unit. This makes it possible to immediately determine whether and, if so, how many hanging adapters are intended for ejection. The adjustment of the conveying distance, in particular automated, is thereby simplified. The method can be carried out reliably and without fail.

Ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 12 vereinfacht ein automatisiertes Umschalten in den Betriebsmodus mit erhöhter Förderrate. Insbesondere wird das zweite Stellsignal immer dann erzeugt, wenn die Liste mit auszuschleusenden Hängeadaptern geleert worden ist. Dies ist insbesondere dann der Fall, wenn sämtliche auszuschleusenden Hängeadapter zunächst von der ersten Identifikationseinheit erfasst und in die Liste eingetragen worden sind und anschließend von der zweiten Identifikationseinheit erfasst und ein entsprechendes Ausschleusesignal an die Ausschleuseeinheit übertragen worden sind. Die von der zweiten Identifikationseinheit erfassten Hängeadapter werden aus der Liste gelöscht. Wenn der letzte Hängeadapter aus der Liste gelöscht, also ausgetragen worden ist, ist die Liste leer. Insbesondere ist das dadurch sichergestellt, dass das zweite Stellsignal nur dann erzeugt wird, wenn sämtliche auszuschleusende Hängeadapter von der zweiten Identifikationseinheit bereits erfasst worden sind. Eine Fehlfunktion der Hängefördertechnik ist dadurch ausgeschlossen. Insbesondere ermöglicht dieses Verfahren eine erhöhte Förderrate, da das Umschalten in ein Fördern mit dem zweiten Förderabstand automatisiert erfolgt.A method according to claim 12 simplifies an automated switchover to the operating mode with an increased conveying rate. In particular, the second actuating signal is always generated when the list of hanging adapters to be ejected has been emptied. This is particularly the case when all hanging adapters to be ejected have first been recorded by the first identification unit and entered into the list and then recorded by the second identification unit and a corresponding ejection signal has been transmitted to the ejection unit. The hanging adapters recorded by the second identification unit are deleted from the list. When the last hanging adapter has been deleted from the list, i.e. removed, the list is empty. In particular, this is ensured by the fact that the second actuating signal is only generated when all hanging adapters to be ejected have already been recorded by the second identification unit. A malfunction of the hanging conveyor technology is thus ruled out. In particular, this method enables an increased conveying rate, since the switchover to conveying with the second conveying distance takes place automatically.

Weitere Merkmale, Vorteile und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels anhand der Zeichnung. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Hängefördertechnik einer Hängeförderanlage,
Fig. 2
eine Fig. 1 entsprechende Darstellung der Hängefördertechnik, bei der die Hängeadapter mit einem Mindest-Förderabstand im Bereich einer Vereinzelungseinheit gefördert werden.
Further features, advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. They show:
Fig.1
a schematic representation of an overhead conveyor technology of an overhead conveyor system according to the invention,
Fig.2
one Fig.1 corresponding representation of the overhead conveyor technology, in which the hanging adapters are conveyed with a minimum conveying distance in the area of a separation unit.

Eine in Fig. 1 und 2 rein schematisch dargestellte Hängeförderanlage dient zum Fördern und Kommissionieren von Einzelwaren zu Aufträgen. Die Einzelwaren werden auch als Artikel bezeichnet. Die Hängeförderanlage 1 umfasst ein Warenlager 2, in dem die Einzelwaren eingelagert sind. Das Warenlager 2 kann als manuelles Lager oder als automatisches Lager ausgeführt sein. Die Hängeförderanlage 1 weist ferner einen Wareneingang 3 auf, über den die Einzelwaren der Hängeförderanlage 1, insbesondere von extern, zugeführt werden. Dem Wareneingang 3 können auch Retourenwaren zugeführt werden.One in Fig.1 and 2 The overhead conveyor system, which is shown purely schematically, is used to convey and pick individual items for orders. The individual items are also referred to as articles. The overhead conveyor system 1 comprises a warehouse 2 in which the individual items are stored. The warehouse 2 can be designed as a manual warehouse or as an automatic warehouse. The overhead conveyor system 1 also has a goods entrance 3, via which the individual items are fed to the overhead conveyor system 1, in particular from outside. Returned goods can also be fed to the goods entrance 3.

Der Wareneingang 3 ist fördertechnisch mit dem Warenlager 2 verbunden. Die fördertechnische Verbindung ist beispielsweise durch ein Förderband oder eine manuelle Zubringung der Einzelwaren, die insbesondere auch in Gebinden im Wareneingang 3 vorliegen können, ausgeführt.The goods receipt 3 is connected to the goods warehouse 2 by means of a conveyor system. The conveyor system connection is implemented, for example, by a conveyor belt or a manual supply of the individual goods, which can also be present in containers in the goods receipt 3.

Die Hängeförderanlage 1 umfasst ferner eine Aufgabestation 4, an der die Einzelwaren beispielsweise in eine Fördertasche aufgegeben werden. Es wird insbesondere genau eine Einzelware in eine Fördertasche aufgegeben. Die Fördertaschen werden jeweils mit einer Einzelware beladen. Die Aufgabestation wird auch als Beladestation bezeichnet. Die Einzelwaren, die in die Fördertaschen beladen werden, werden auch als Liegeware bezeichnet. Die Liegeware wird mittels der Fördertaschen in der Hängeförderanlage 1 hängend gefördert. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann an der Aufgabestation 4 auch sogenannte Hängeware aufgegeben werden. Hängeware ist Einzelware, die insbesondere an einem Kleiderbügel hängend, insbesondere Bekleidung, gefördert wird.The overhead conveyor system 1 further comprises a loading station 4, at which the individual goods are placed, for example, in a conveyor pocket. In particular, exactly one individual item is placed in a conveyor pocket. The conveyor pockets are each loaded with one individual item. The loading station is also referred to as a loading station. The individual items that are loaded into the conveyor pockets are also referred to as flat goods. The flat goods are conveyed hanging by means of the conveyor pockets in the overhead conveyor system 1. Additionally or alternatively, so-called hanging goods can also be placed at the loading station 4. Hanging goods are individual goods, which is particularly promoted when hanging on a coat hanger, especially clothing.

Die Beladestation 4 ist zusätzlich direkt mit dem Wareneingang 3 fördertechnisch verbunden. Es ist deshalb möglich, Einzelwaren aus dem Wareneingang 3 direkt zur Aufgabestation 4 zu fördern oder in dem Warenlager 2 einzulagern und anschließend an die Aufgabestation 4 zu fördern.The loading station 4 is also directly connected to the goods receipt 3 by conveyor technology. It is therefore possible to convey individual goods from the goods receipt 3 directly to the loading station 4 or to store them in the warehouse 2 and then convey them to the loading station 4.

Es ist möglich, die Hängeförderanlage auch so auszuführen, dass zwischen der Aufgabestation 4 und dem Wareneingang 3 bzw. zwischen der Aufgabestation 4 und dem Warenlager 2 keine fördertechnische Verbindung besteht. In diesem Fall werden die Einzelwaren von dem Warenlager 2 bzw. dem Wareneingang 3 bzw. dem Warenlager 2 manuell zu der Aufgabestation 4 gefördert, beispielsweise mittels Federbodenwagen oder Palettenhubwagen.It is also possible to design the overhead conveyor system in such a way that there is no conveyor connection between the loading station 4 and the goods receipt 3 or between the loading station 4 and the warehouse 2. In this case, the individual goods are conveyed manually from the warehouse 2 or the goods receipt 3 or the warehouse 2 to the loading station 4, for example by means of a spring-loaded trolley or pallet truck.

Die Fördertaschen und/oder die Kleiderbügel werden jeweils vereinzelt mittels eines in Fig. 1 nicht näher dargestellten Rolladapters in einem Schienensystem der Hängeförderanlage 1 geführt gefördert. Der Rolladapter wird auch als Hängeadapter 13 bezeichnet. Die Fördertaschen und/oder die Kleiderbügel werden hängend mittels der Hängeadapter 13 gefördert. Die Fördertaschen und/oder die Kleiderbügel weisen jeweils ein Identifikationsmittel auf, das beispielsweise als RFID-Chip oder als IdentifikationsCode, insbesondere als Strichcode oder als QR-Code ausgeführt ist. Insbesondere kann ein RFID-Chip in dem Hängeadapter 13 integriert angeordnet sein. In dem jeweiligen Identifikationsmittel sind eindeutige Identifikationsdaten gespeichert. Die Identifikationsdaten werden auch als Hängeadapterdaten bezeichnet. Mittels der Identifikationsdaten ist der jeweilige Hängeadapter mit der daran hängend geförderten Einzelware eindeutig identifizierbar und insbesondere entlang der Hängeförderanlage 1 steuerbar. Insbesondere ist es möglich, den Förderweg der Einzelwaren entlang der Hängeförderanlage 1 nachzuverfolgen und zu steuern.The conveyor bags and/or the coat hangers are each separated using a Fig.1 not shown in more detail in a rail system of the overhead conveyor system 1. The roller adapter is also referred to as a hanging adapter 13. The conveyor bags and/or the coat hangers are conveyed hanging by means of the hanging adapter 13. The conveyor bags and/or the coat hangers each have an identification means, which is designed, for example, as an RFID chip or as an identification code, in particular as a bar code or as a QR code. In particular, an RFID chip can be integrated in the hanging adapter 13. Unique identification data is stored in the respective identification means. The identification data is also referred to as hanging adapter data. By means of the identification data, the respective hanging adapter can be clearly identified with the individual item conveyed hanging on it. identifiable and in particular controllable along the overhead conveyor system 1. In particular, it is possible to track and control the conveying path of the individual goods along the overhead conveyor system 1.

Zur hängenden Förderung sind die Fördertaschen und/oder die Kleiderbügel jeweils mit einem der Hängeadapter 13 formschlüssig verbunden. Insbesondere weisen die Fördertaschen und/oder die Kleiderbügel jeweils einen Haken auf, der in eine entsprechende Ausnehmung des Hängeadapters 13 einhängbar ist. Alternativ kann auch der Hängeadapter 13 hakenförmig ausgeführt sein und insbesondere in eine Ausnehmung der Fördertasche und/oder des Kleiderbügels eingehängt werden.For hanging conveyance, the conveyor pockets and/or the coat hangers are each positively connected to one of the hanging adapters 13. In particular, the conveyor pockets and/or the coat hangers each have a hook that can be hooked into a corresponding recess in the hanging adapter 13. Alternatively, the hanging adapter 13 can also be designed in the shape of a hook and in particular can be hooked into a recess in the conveyor pocket and/or the coat hanger.

Die Hängeförderanlage 1 umfasst eine Sortiereinheit 5 zum Sortieren der Einzelwaren, also zum Verändern der Reihenfolge der Einzelwaren im Warenstrom.The overhead conveyor system 1 comprises a sorting unit 5 for sorting the individual goods, i.e. for changing the order of the individual goods in the flow of goods.

Stromaufwärts der Sortiereinheit 5 ist eine Puffereinheit 24 angeordnet, die mindestens einen und insbesondere mehrere Umlaufspeicher 6 aufweist, wobei in Fig. 1 aus Darstellungsgründen lediglich ein einziger Umlaufspeicher 6 dargestellt ist. Die Sortiereinheit 5 ist fördertechnisch mit der Puffereinheit 24 und die Puffereinheit 24 fördertechnisch mit der Aufgabestation 4 verbunden.Upstream of the sorting unit 5, a buffer unit 24 is arranged, which has at least one and in particular several circulating storage units 6, wherein Fig.1 For reasons of illustration, only a single circulating storage unit 6 is shown. The sorting unit 5 is connected to the buffer unit 24 by conveyor technology and the buffer unit 24 is connected to the loading station 4 by conveyor technology.

Wenn die Puffereinheit 24 mehrere Umlaufspeicher 6 aufweist, sind diese insbesondere jeweils unabhängig voneinander mit der Aufgabestation 4 fördertechnisch verbunden. Das bedeutet, dass die Umlaufspeicher 6 insbesondere in Förderrichtung parallel zueinander angeordnet sind. Einzelwaren aus der Aufgabestation 4 können in einen der Umlaufspeicher 6 gefördert werden.If the buffer unit 24 has several circulating storage units 6, these are each connected to the loading station 4 independently of one another. This means that the circulating storage units 6 are arranged parallel to one another, in particular in the conveying direction. Individual goods from the loading station 4 can be conveyed into one of the circulating storage units 6.

Die Puffereinheit 24 dient zum Zwischenpuffern der Einzelwaren und insbesondere zum Zusammenstellen der Einzelwaren in der Sortiereinrichtung zu logischen Gruppen. Insbesondere werden die Einzelwaren zu Gruppen von Einzelwaren zusammengefasst, die einen Auftrag bilden. In der Sortiereinheit 5 können Gruppen von Einzelwaren gebildet werden, die Teil eines Auftrags sind. Insbesondere werden die Einzelwaren in der Sortiereinheit 5 in eine geforderte Reihenfolge sortiert.The buffer unit 24 serves for the temporary buffering of the individual goods and in particular for assembling the individual goods in the sorting device into logical groups. In particular, the individual goods are combined into groups of individual goods that form an order. In the sorting unit 5, groups of individual goods that are part of an order can be formed. In particular, the individual goods are sorted in the sorting unit 5 in a required order.

Die Hängeförderanlage 1 umfasst eine zentrale Steuerungseinheit 7, die eine Signalverbindung mit anderen Komponenten der Hängeförderanlage 1 ermöglicht. Die Signalverbindung kann kabelgebunden oder kabellos erfolgen. Eine kabellose, funkgebundene Signalverbindung ist in Fig. 1 mit einem Symbol 8 zur Funkübertragung dargestellt.The overhead conveyor system 1 comprises a central control unit 7, which enables a signal connection with other components of the overhead conveyor system 1. The signal connection can be wired or wireless. A wireless, radio-based signal connection is possible in Fig.1 represented by a symbol 8 for radio transmission.

Die Sortiereinheit 5 ist fördertechnisch mit mindestens einem und insbesondere mit mehreren Packplätzen 9 verbunden. Von der Sortiereinheit 5 werden die Einzelwaren eines Auftrags zu einem der Packplätze 9 gefördert. An den Packplätzen 9 werden die Einzelwaren entladen, also aus den Fördertaschen entnommen und/oder die Kleiderbügel von den Hängeadaptern 13 abgenommen und, insbesondere manuell, gepackt. Die Einzelwaren werden auftragsrein gepackt und insbesondere auftragsweise an einen Warenausgang 10, der fördertechnisch mit den Packplätzen 9 verbunden ist, gefördert.The sorting unit 5 is connected by conveyor technology to at least one and in particular to several packing stations 9. The individual items of an order are conveyed from the sorting unit 5 to one of the packing stations 9. At the packing stations 9, the individual items are unloaded, i.e. removed from the conveyor pockets and/or the coat hangers are removed from the hanging adapters 13 and packed, in particular manually. The individual items are packed according to the order and in particular conveyed order by order to a goods exit 10, which is connected by conveyor technology to the packing stations 9.

Nachfolgend werden Aufbau und Funktion des Umlaufspeichers 6 näher erläutert.The structure and function of the circulating storage 6 are explained in more detail below.

Der Umlaufspeicher 6 bildet eine Hängefördertechnik. Der Umlaufspeicher 6 weist eine erste Hängeförderstrecke 11 auf, die insbesondere bezüglich der Förderrichtung 12 linear, insbesondere gerade, ausgeführt ist. Die erste Hängeförderstrecke 11 ist insbesondere als Förderschiene ausgeführt, in der die Hängeadapter 13 hängend gefördert werden. Ein derartiges Schienensystem und die darin förderbaren Hängeadapter 13 für die Hängeförderanlage 1 sind aus DE 10 2005 006 455 A1 bekannt. Bezüglich der Details der Ausgestaltung der Hängeadapter 13 und ihrer Funktion zur Förderung entlang der Hängeförderanlage 1, insbesondere der Hängefördertechnik, wird hierauf explizit verwiesen.The circulating storage 6 forms a suspended conveyor system. The circulating storage 6 has a first suspended conveyor section 11, which is designed to be linear, in particular straight, in particular with respect to the conveying direction 12. The first suspended conveyor section 11 is designed in particular as a conveyor rail in which the suspended adapters 13 are conveyed in a suspended manner. Such a rail system and the suspended adapters 13 that can be conveyed therein for the suspended conveyor system 1 are made of EN 10 2005 006 455 A1 known. With regard to the details of the design of the hanging adapters 13 and their function for conveying along the overhead conveyor system 1, in particular the overhead conveyor technology, explicit reference is made here.

Die erste Hängeförderstrecke 11 ist insbesondere entlang der Förderrichtung 12 gegenüber der Vertikalen nach unten geneigt angeordnet, so dass die Hängeadapter 13 selbsttätig infolge der Schwerkraft entlang der Förderrichtung 12 an der ersten Hängeförderstrecke 11 gefördert werden. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann die erste Hängeförderstrecke 11 auch einen nicht näher dargestellten Förderantrieb aufweisen, um die Hängeadapter 13 entlang der Förderrichtung 12 angetrieben zu fördern. Wenn ein Förderantrieb vorgesehen ist, kann die erste Hängeförderstrecke 11 auch horizontal oder bezüglich der Horizontalen ansteigend orientiert sein.The first overhead conveyor section 11 is arranged in particular along the conveying direction 12 at an angle downwards relative to the vertical, so that the hanging adapters 13 are automatically conveyed along the conveying direction 12 on the first overhead conveyor section 11 due to gravity. Additionally or alternatively, the first overhead conveyor section 11 can also have a conveyor drive (not shown in detail) in order to convey the hanging adapters 13 along the conveying direction 12. If a conveyor drive is provided, the first overhead conveyor section 11 can also be oriented horizontally or so as to rise relative to the horizontal.

An die erste Hängeförderstrecke 11 schließt sich entlang der Förderrichtung 12 eine Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 an. Die Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 bildet eine Funktionseinheit des Umlaufspeichers 6. Die Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 ist nicht-linear ausgeführt, insbesondere halbkreisförmig oder U-förmig.The first overhead conveyor section 11 is followed by a functional overhead conveyor section 14 along the conveying direction 12. The functional overhead conveyor section 14 forms a functional unit of the circulating storage 6. The functional overhead conveyor section 14 is designed to be non-linear, in particular semicircular or U-shaped.

An der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 ist insbesondere ein Förderantrieb 23 angeordnet, um die Hängeadapter 13 entlang der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 angetrieben zu fördern.In particular, a conveyor drive 23 is arranged on the functional overhead conveyor line 14 in order to drive the hanging adapters 13 along the functional overhead conveyor line 14.

An die Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 schließt sich eine zweite Hängeförderstrecke 15 an, die insbesondere identisch zu der ersten Hängeförderstrecke 11 ausgeführt ist. Insbesondere sind die Hängeförderstrecken 11, 15 parallel zueinander orientiert. Die Förderrichtung 12 ist im Bereich der zweiten Hängeförderstrecke 15 insbesondere antiparallel zu der Förderrichtung 12 im Bereich der ersten Hängeförderstrecke 11 orientiert.The functional overhead conveyor section 14 is followed by a second overhead conveyor section 15, which is designed in particular to be identical to the first overhead conveyor section 11. In particular, the overhead conveyor sections 11, 15 are oriented parallel to one another. The conveying direction 12 in the area of the second overhead conveyor section 15 is oriented in particular antiparallel to the conveying direction 12 in the area of the first overhead conveyor section 11.

An die zweite Hängeförderstrecke 15 schließt sich eine Verbindungs-Hängeförderstrecke 16 an. Die Verbindungs-Hängeförderstrecke 16 ist insbesondere nicht-linear, insbesondere halbkreisförmig oder U-förmig, ausgeführt. An die Verbindungs-Hängeförderstrecke 16 schließt sich die erste Hängeförderstrecke 11 an. Die Verbindungs-Hängeförderstrecke 16 ermöglicht insbesondere eine Rückführung der Hängeadapter 13 von der zweiten Hängeförderstrecke 15 auf die erste Hängeförderstrecke 11. Die Verbindungs-Hängeförderstrecke 16 ist eine Rückführ-Hängeförderstrecke.The second overhead conveyor section 15 is followed by a connecting overhead conveyor section 16. The connecting overhead conveyor section 16 is designed to be non-linear, in particular semi-circular or U-shaped. The connecting overhead conveyor section 16 is followed by the first overhead conveyor section 11. The connecting overhead conveyor section 16 enables the overhead adapters 13 to be returned from the second overhead conveyor section 15 to the first overhead conveyor section 11. The connecting overhead conveyor section 16 is a return overhead conveyor section.

Die Hängeförderstrecken 11, 14, 15, 16 bilden den geschlossenen Umlaufspeicher 6, der eine endlose Förderung der Hängeadapter 13 in dem Umlaufspeicher 6 ermöglicht.The hanging conveyor lines 11, 14, 15, 16 form the closed circulating storage 6, which enables endless conveying of the hanging adapters 13 in the circulating storage 6.

An der Verbindungs-Hängeförderstrecke 16 ist ein Einschleuseelement 17 angeordnet. Das Einschleuseelement 17 ermöglicht das Einschleusen von Hängeadaptern 13, die insbesondere von der Aufgabestation 4 angefördert werden, in den Umlaufspeicher 6.An infeed element 17 is arranged on the connecting overhead conveyor line 16. The infeed element 17 enables the infeed of hanging adapters 13, which are conveyed in particular from the feed station 4, into the circulating storage 6.

An der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 ist ein Ausschleuseelement 18 angeordnet, das das Ausschleusen von Hängeadaptern 13 aus dem Umlaufspeicher 6 ermöglicht, um insbesondere die ausgeschleusten Hängeadapter 13 zu den Packplätzen 9 zu fördern. Das Ausschleuseelement 18 ist insbesondere in Form einer schaltbaren Weiche ausgeführt, die je nach Schaltstellung eine Förderung der Hängeadapter 13 entlang der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 oder zu den Packplätzen 9 bewirkt.A discharge element 18 is arranged on the functional overhead conveyor line 14, which enables the discharge of hanging adapters 13 from the circulation storage 6, in particular to convey the discharged hanging adapters 13 to the packing stations 9. The discharge element 18 is designed in particular in the form of a switchable switch, which, depending on the switch position, causes the hanging adapters 13 to be conveyed along the functional overhead conveyor line 14 or to the packing stations 9.

Stromaufwärts der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 und insbesondere zwischen der ersten Hängeförderstrecke 11 und der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14, ist eine Vereinzelungseinheit 19 angeordnet. Die Vereinzelungseinheit 19 ist schaltbar ausgeführt und ermöglicht ein vereinzeltes Aufgeben von Hängeadaptern 13 in die Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14.A separating unit 19 is arranged upstream of the functional overhead conveyor section 14 and in particular between the first overhead conveyor section 11 and the functional overhead conveyor section 14. The separating unit 19 is designed to be switchable and enables hanging adapters 13 to be placed individually into the functional overhead conveyor section 14.

Stromaufwärts der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 ist eine erste Identifikationseinheit 20 angeordnet. Die erste Identifikationseinheit 20 ist im Bereich der ersten Hängeförderstrecke 11 angeordnet. Die erste Identifikationseinheit 20 ist gemäß dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel als Transponder-Leser ausgeführt. Die erste Identifikationseinheit ist geeignet, die Hängeadapterdaten, die in dem Identifikationsmittel an dem Hängeadapter 13 gespeichert sind, kontaktlos zu erfassen. Insbesondere ist es nicht erforderlich, die Hängeadapter 13 im Bereich der ersten Identifikationseinheit 20 zum Auslesen der Daten zu stoppen. Die erste Identifikationseinheit 20 ermöglicht insbesondere ein Auslesen der Daten im Vorbeifahren der Hängeadapter 13.A first identification unit 20 is arranged upstream of the singulation unit 19. The first identification unit 20 is arranged in the area of the first overhead conveyor line 11. According to the embodiment shown, the first identification unit 20 is designed as a transponder reader. The first identification unit is suitable for contactlessly recording the hanging adapter data stored in the identification means on the hanging adapter 13. In particular, it is not necessary to stop the hanging adapters 13 in the area of the first identification unit 20 to read the data. The first identification unit 20 enables the data to be read out as the hanging adapters 13 move past.

Entlang der Förderrichtung 12 ist die erste Identifikationseinheit 20 mit einem Vorlaufabstand A beabstandet zu der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 angeordnet. Zwischen der ersten Identifikationseinheit 20 und der Vereinze-Vereinzelungseinheit 19 wird ein sogenannter Vorlaufbereich 21 definiert. Der Vorlaufabstand A entspricht der Länge des Vorlaufbereichs 21. Die Länge des Vorlaufbereichs 21 ist insbesondere derart bemessen, dass mehrere Hängeadapter 13 in dem Vorlaufbereich angeordnet sein können, also dass mehrere Hängeadapter 13 zwischen der ersten Identifikationseinheit 20 und der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 angeordnet sein können.Along the conveying direction 12, the first identification unit 20 is arranged at a distance A from the singling unit 19. Between the first identification unit 20 and the singling unit 19, a so-called lead area 21 is defined. The lead distance A corresponds to the length of the lead area 21. The length of the lead area 21 is in particular dimensioned such that several hanging adapters 13 can be arranged in the lead area, i.e. that several hanging adapters 13 can be arranged between the first identification unit 20 and the singulation unit 19.

Die Länge des Vorlaufbereichs 21 ist insbesondere derart bemessen, dass zwischen der ersten Identifikationseinheit 20 und der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 mehrere Hängeadapter 13, insbesondere mindestens fünf Hängeadapter 13, insbesondere mindestens zehn Hängeadapter 13, insbesondere mindestens zwanzig Hängeadapter 13 und insbesondere mindestens fünfzig Hängeadapter 13 angeordnet sein können. Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn die erste Identifikationseinheit 20 entlang der ersten Hängeförderstrecke 11 lageveränderlich festlegbar ist, so dass insbesondere die Länge des Vorlaufbereichs 21 veränderlich festlegbar eingestellt werden kann.The length of the lead-in area 21 is in particular dimensioned such that a plurality of hanging adapters 13, in particular at least five hanging adapters 13, in particular at least ten hanging adapters 13, in particular at least twenty hanging adapters 13 and in particular at least fifty hanging adapters 13 can be arranged between the first identification unit 20 and the singling unit 19. It is advantageous if the first identification unit 20 can be fixed in a variable position along the first hanging conveyor section 11, so that in particular the length of the lead-in area 21 can be set in a variable manner.

Stromabwärts der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 ist eine zweite Identifikationseinheit 22 angeordnet. Die zweite Identifikationseinheit 22 ist insbesondere identisch zu der ersten Identifikationseinheit 20 ausgeführt. Die zweite Identifikationseinheit ist im Bereich der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 angeordnet. Die zweite Identifikationseinheit 22 ist insbesondere zwischen der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 und dem Ausschleuseelement 18 angeordnet.A second identification unit 22 is arranged downstream of the singling unit 19. The second identification unit 22 is designed in particular to be identical to the first identification unit 20. The second identification unit is arranged in the area of the functional overhead conveyor line 14. The second identification unit 22 is arranged in particular between the singling unit 19 and the discharge element 18.

Die Steuerungseinheit 7 steht insbesondere mit dem Ausschleuseelement 18, der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 und den Identifikationseinheiten 20, 22 in Signalverbindung, insbesondere in bidirektionaler Signalverbindung.The control unit 7 is in particular in signal connection with the discharge element 18, the separation unit 19 and the identification units 20, 22, in particular in bidirectional signal connection.

Nachfolgend wird anhand von Fig. 1 und 2 ein Verfahren zum Fördern der Hängeadapter 13 in dem Umlaufspeicher 6 näher erläutert.The following is based on Fig.1 and 2 a method for conveying the hanging adapters 13 in the circulating storage 6 is explained in more detail.

Einzelwaren werden entweder an Kleiderbügeln oder in einer Fördertasche an den Hängeadaptern 13 hängend von der Aufgabestation 4 über das Einschleuseelement 17 dem Umlaufspeicher 6 zugeführt. Die Hängeadapter 13 werden entlang der ersten Hängeförderstrecke 11 gefördert und an der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 gestaut.Individual items are fed from the loading station 4 to the circulation storage unit 6 via the infeed element 17, either hanging on coat hangers or in a conveyor pocket on the hanging adapters 13. The hanging adapters 13 are conveyed along the first hanging conveyor section 11 and accumulated at the singling unit 19.

Bevor die Hängeadapter 13 an der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 ankommen, passieren sie die erste Identifikationseinheit 20. Dabei werden die Hängeadapter 13 mittels des daran befindlichen Identifikationsmittels identifiziert, also die Hängeadapterdaten ausgelesen und ein entsprechendes erstes Identifikationssignal in der Identifikationseinheit erzeugt. Das erste Identifikationssignal wird von der ersten Identifikationseinheit 20 an die Steuerungseinheit 7 übertragen. In Abhängigkeit davon, ob die Hängeadapter 13, die die erste Identifikationseinheit 20 passiert haben, einem aktuellen Auftrag zugeordnet, also aus dem Umlaufspeicher 6 auszuschleusen sind, wird in der Steuerungseinheit 7 ein entsprechendes Stellsignal erzeugt.Before the hanging adapters 13 arrive at the separation unit 19, they pass through the first identification unit 20. The hanging adapters 13 are identified using the identification means located thereon, i.e. the hanging adapter data is read out and a corresponding first identification signal is generated in the identification unit. The first identification signal is transmitted from the first identification unit 20 to the control unit 7. Depending on whether the hanging adapters 13 that have passed through the first identification unit 20 are assigned to a current order, i.e. are to be ejected from the circulating storage unit 6, a corresponding control signal is generated in the control unit 7.

Ein erstes Stellsignal wird erzeugt, wenn sich in dem Vorlaufbereich 21 mindestens ein auszuschleusender Hängeadapter 13 befindet. Ein zweites Stellsignal wird erzeugt, wenn in dem Vorlaufbereich 21 kein auszuschleusender Hängeadapter 13 angeordnet ist. Gemäß der Darstellung in Fig. 1 befinden sich in dem Vorlaufbereich 21 keine Hängeadapter 13, die auszuschleusen sind. Entsprechend wird gemäß der Anordnung in Fig. 2 das zweite Stellsignal erzeugt.A first control signal is generated if there is at least one hanging adapter 13 to be ejected in the feed area 21. A second control signal is generated if there is no hanging adapter 13 to be ejected in the feed area 21. According to the illustration in Fig.1 There are no hanging adapters 13 to be removed in the flow area 21. Accordingly, according to the arrangement in Fig.2 the second control signal is generated.

Das zweite Stellsignal wird von der Steuerungseinheit 7 an die Vereinzelungseinheit 19 übertragen. Die Vereinzelungseinheit 19 vereinzelt die Hängeadapter 13 mit einem zweiten Förderabstand d2. Da die mittels der zweiten Identifikationseinheit 22 identifizierten Hängeadapter 13 nicht ausgeschleust werden müssen, kann der zweite Förderabstand d2 vergleichsweise klein gewählt werden. Das bedeutet, dass die Hängeadapterdichte entlang der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 vergleichsweise hoch ist. Für den Fall, dass keine Hängeadapter 13 in dem Vorlaufbereich 21 für einen Ausschleusevorgang vorgesehen sind, kann eine Förderung der Einzelwaren mit einer vergleichsweise hohen Förderrate erfolgen.The second control signal is sent from the control unit 7 to the separation unit 19. The singling unit 19 singulates the hanging adapters 13 with a second conveying distance d 2 . Since the hanging adapters 13 identified by means of the second identification unit 22 do not have to be discharged, the second conveying distance d 2 can be selected to be comparatively small. This means that the hanging adapter density along the functional hanging conveyor section 14 is comparatively high. In the event that no hanging adapters 13 are provided in the lead-in area 21 for a discharge process, the individual goods can be conveyed at a comparatively high conveying rate.

Insbesondere übermittelt die Steuerungseinheit 7 ein Deaktivierungssignal an die zweite Identifikationseinheit 22. Das Deaktivierungssignal wird insbesondere automatisiert in der Steuerungseinheit 7 erzeugt, wenn in dem Vorlaufbereich 21 kein auszuschleusender Hängeadapter 13 angeordnet ist. Insbesondere wird das Deaktivierungssignal in Verbindung mit dem zweiten Stellsignal, insbesondere davor, zeitgleich oder danach, erzeugt. Da ein Ausschleusen von Hängeadaptern 13 aus dem Umlaufspeicher 6 nicht vorgesehen ist, kann die zweite Identifikationseinheit 22 deaktiviert sein. Das Risiko, dass Hängeadapter 13 unbeabsichtigt ausgeschleust werden, ist verhindert, wenn die zweite Identifikationseinheit 22 deaktiviert ist.In particular, the control unit 7 transmits a deactivation signal to the second identification unit 22. The deactivation signal is generated in the control unit 7 in particular automatically if no hanging adapter 13 to be ejected is arranged in the feed area 21. In particular, the deactivation signal is generated in conjunction with the second actuating signal, in particular before, at the same time or after. Since ejection of hanging adapters 13 from the circulating storage 6 is not provided, the second identification unit 22 can be deactivated. The risk of hanging adapters 13 being ejected inadvertently is prevented if the second identification unit 22 is deactivated.

Wenn die erste Identifikationseinheit 20 einen Hängeadapter 13 identifiziert, der ausgeschleust werden soll, weil er insbesondere einem Auftrag zugehörig ist, der zur Kommissionierung vorgesehen ist, wird ein entsprechendes Identifikationssignal erzeugt, so dass die Steuerungseinheit das erste Stellsignal erzeugt und an die Vereinzelungseinheit 19 überträgt. Aufgrund des ersten Stellsignals werden die Hängeadapter 13 von der Vereinzelungseinheit 19 mit einem ersten Förderabstand d1 vereinzelt, der insbesondere größer ist als der zweite Förderabstand d2. Der zweite Förderab-Förderabstand d2 beträgt insbesondere höchstens 70 % des ersten Förderabstands di, insbesondere höchstens 60 %, insbesondere höchstens 50 %, insbesondere höchstens 40 %, insbesondere höchstens 30 % und insbesondere höchstens 20 %. Der zweite Förderabstand d2 entspricht einem Mindest-Förderabstand dmin, der erforderlich ist, um den auszuschleusenden Hängeadapter 13 mittels des Ausschleuseelements 18 aus der Hängefördertechnik 6, also dem Umlaufspeicher 6, zuverlässig und insbesondere kollisionsfrei, auszuschleusen.If the first identification unit 20 identifies a hanging adapter 13 that is to be ejected because it is associated with an order that is intended for picking, a corresponding identification signal is generated so that the control unit generates the first control signal and transmits it to the singling unit 19. Based on the first control signal, the hanging adapters 13 are separated by the singling unit 19 with a first conveying distance d 1 , which is in particular greater than the second conveying distance d 2 . The second conveying distance d 2 is in particular at most 70% of the first conveying distance di, in particular at most 60%, in particular at most 50%, in particular at most 40%, in particular at most 30% and in particular at most 20%. The second conveying distance d 2 corresponds to a minimum conveying distance d min that is required in order to reliably and in particular collision-free discharge the hanging adapter 13 to be discharged by means of the discharge element 18 from the hanging conveyor system 6, i.e. the circulating storage unit 6.

Der Modus der Hängefördertechnik 6, in dem die Vereinzelungseinheit 19 die Vereinzelung von dem zuvor kleineren zweiten Förderabstand d2 auf den nun größeren ersten Förderabstand d1 umgestellt hat, ist in Fig. 2 dargestellt.The mode of the overhead conveyor system 6, in which the singling unit 19 has switched the singling from the previously smaller second conveying distance d 2 to the now larger first conveying distance d 1 , is shown in Fig.2 shown.

Da die der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 zugeführten Hängeadapter 13 nun zumindest teilweise zum Ausschleusen vorgesehen sind, ist die zweite Identifikationseinheit 22 wieder aktiviert. Dazu übermittelt die Steuerungseinheit 7 ein Aktivierungssignal an die zweite Identifikationseinheit 22, insbesondere wenn das erste Stellsignal in der Steuerungseinheit 7 erzeugt wird.Since the hanging adapters 13 fed to the functional hanging conveyor line 14 are now at least partially intended for discharge, the second identification unit 22 is activated again. For this purpose, the control unit 7 transmits an activation signal to the second identification unit 22, in particular when the first actuating signal is generated in the control unit 7.

Die erfindungsgemäße Hängefördertechnik 6 ist in zwei verschiedenen Modi betreibbar. In dem ersten Modus gemäß Fig. 1, in dem kein Ausschleusen von Hängeadaptern 13 aus der Hängefördertechnik 6 vorgesehen ist, können die Hängeadapter 13 auch im Bereich der Funktions-Hängeförderstrecke 14 mit kleinem Förderabstand d2, insbesondere mit Mindest-Förderabstand dmin, gefördert werden. In diesem Modus ermöglicht der Umlaufspeicher 6 eine hohe Förderrate.The overhead conveyor system 6 according to the invention can be operated in two different modes. In the first mode according to Fig.1 , in which no discharge of hanging adapters 13 from the hanging conveyor system 6 is provided, the hanging adapters 13 can also be conveyed in the area of the functional hanging conveyor section 14 with a small conveying distance d 2 , in particular with a minimum conveying distance d min . In this mode, the circulating storage 6 enables a high conveying rate.

In dem zweiten Modus gemäß Fig. 2 ist sichergestellt, dass der Förderabstand d1 zwischen den Hängeadaptern 13 groß genug ist, um ein zuverlässiges Ausschleusen der Hängeförderadapter 13 aus dem Umlaufspeicher 6 mittels des Ausschleuseelements 18 zu gewährleisten.In the second mode according to Fig.2 it is ensured that the conveying distance d 1 between the hanging adapters 13 is large enough to ensure reliable ejection of the hanging conveyor adapters 13 from the circulation storage 6 by means of the ejection element 18.

Dabei ist es wesentlich, dass die Vereinzelungseinheit 19 ein veränderliches Festlegen des Vereinzelungsabstands, also des Förderabstands zwischen den Hängeadaptern 13 ermöglicht. Mittels der ersten Identifikationseinheit 20 werden Hängeadapter 13, die später ausgeschleust werden sollen, frühzeitig erkannt, um ein Verändern des Förderabstands über die Vereinzelungseinheit 19 zu ermöglichen.It is essential that the singling unit 19 enables a variable setting of the singling distance, i.e. the conveying distance between the hanging adapters 13. By means of the first identification unit 20, hanging adapters 13 that are to be discharged later are detected at an early stage in order to enable a change in the conveying distance via the singling unit 19.

Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn insbesondere dann, wenn ein vorerst letzter Hängeadapter 13 ausgeschleust worden ist, von dem zweiten Modus gemäß Fig. 2, insbesondere automatisiert, in den ersten Modus gemäß Fig. 1 zurückgeschaltet wird. Es ist dadurch möglich, die Hängeförderanlage 1 und insbesondere die Hängefördertechnik 6 mit möglichst hoher Durchsatzrate, also Förderrate, zu betreiben.It is advantageous if, especially when a last hanging adapter 13 has been discharged, the second mode according to Fig.2 , in particular automated, in the first mode according to Fig.1 is switched back. This makes it possible to operate the overhead conveyor system 1 and in particular the overhead conveyor technology 6 with the highest possible throughput rate, i.e. conveyor rate.

Ein insbesondere automatisiertes Zurückschalten von dem zweiten Modus in den ersten Modus ist beispielsweise dadurch möglich, dass die Identifikationseinheiten 20, 22 auf eine Liste zugreifen, die in der Steuerungseinheit 7 geführt wird. Sobald die erste Identfikationseinheit 20 einen auszuschleusenden Hängeadapter 13 identifiziert, wird dieser in die Liste eingetragen. Wenn dieser Hängeadapter 13 die zweite Identifikationseinheit 22 passiert und dort identifiziert wird, wird dieser Hängeadapter 13 wieder aus der Liste gestrichen. Das bedeutet, dass die Hängefördertechnik 6 immer dann im zweiten Modus, also mit vergrößertem Förderabstand d1 betrieben wird, wenn die Liste mindestens einen Eintrag aufweist. Sobald die Liste leer ist, also keinen Eintrag aufweist, erfolgt ein automatisches Umschalten in den ersten Modus mit dem Mindest-Förderabstand dmin.A particularly automated switch back from the second mode to the first mode is possible, for example, by the identification units 20, 22 accessing a list that is kept in the control unit 7. As soon as the first identification unit 20 identifies a hanging adapter 13 to be ejected, this is entered in the list. If this hanging adapter 13 passes the second identification unit 22 and is identified there, this hanging adapter 13 is deleted from the list again. This means that the hanging conveyor system 6 is always operated in the second mode, i.e. with an increased conveying distance d 1 , if the list has at least one entry. As soon as the list is empty, i.e. has no entry, an automatic switchover to the first mode with the minimum conveying distance d min occurs.

Claims (12)

  1. An overhead conveyor system for conveying overhead adapters (13) along a conveying direction (12), comprising
    a. a first overhead conveyor line (11),
    b. a functional overhead conveyor line (14) connected in terms of conveying technology to the first overhead conveyor line (11) and having a discharge element (18) for discharging overhead adapters (13) from the overhead conveyor system (6),
    c. a separating unit (19) arranged upstream of the functional overhead conveyor line (14) for feeding the overhead adapters (13) separately into the functional overhead conveyor line (14),
    d. a first identification unit (20) arranged upstream of the separating unit (19) for identifying overhead adapters (13) to be discharged,
    e. a second identification unit (22) arranged downstream of the separating unit (19) for identifying overhead adapters (13) to be discharged,
    f. a control unit (7) for automatically conveying and discharging the overhead adapters (13), wherein the control unit (7) is in signal connection with the discharge element (18), the first identification unit (20), the second identification unit (22) and the separating unit (19),
    characterized in that the separating unit (19) is switchable by means of the control unit (7) such that a conveying distance (d1, d2) oriented along the conveying direction (12) between two adjacent overhead adapters (13) can be set variably,
    wherein in the event that no overhead adapters (13) to be discharged have been identified by the first identification unit (20), the separation takes place with a conveying distance that is smaller than the minimum conveying distance, and
    in the event that at least one overhead adapter (13) to be discharged has been identified by means of the first identification unit (20), the overhead adapters (13) are subsequently separated at the required minimum conveying distance by means of the separating unit (19) and conveyed in the functional overhead conveyor line (14).
  2. An overhead conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the overhead conveyor system (6) is designed as a circulating storage device.
  3. An overhead conveying system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a second overhead conveyor line (15) which is connected in terms of conveying technology to the functional overhead conveyor line (14) and which is connected in terms of conveying technology to the first overhead conveyor line (11), in particular by means of a connecting conveyor line (16).
  4. An overhead conveyor system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an insertion element (17) for inserting overhead adapters (13) into the overhead conveyor system (6), wherein the insertion element (17) is arranged in particular on a connecting conveyor line (16).
  5. An overhead conveyor system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an advance region (21) of the first overhead conveyor line (11), which advance region (21) is arranged between the first identification unit (20) and the separating unit (19), wherein the advance region (21) has a length (A) along the conveying direction (12) such that a plurality of overhead adapters (13) can be arranged simultaneously in the advance region (21).
  6. An overhead conveyor facility comprising at least one overhead conveyor system (6) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  7. A method for conveying overhead adapters (13) in an overhead conveyor system (6), in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, along a conveying direction (12), comprising the method steps of
    - suspended conveyance of at least one overhead adapter (13) along a first overhead conveyor line (11) of the overhead conveyor system (6),
    - identifying overhead adapters (13) to be discharged by means of a first identification unit (20),
    - transmitting a first identification signal from the first identification unit (20) to a control unit (7),
    - generating a control signal by means of the control unit (7), wherein
    -- a first control signal is generated when at least one overhead adapter (13) to be discharged has been identified by means of the first identification unit (20),
    -- a second control signal is generated if no overhead adapter (13) to be discharged has been identified by means of the first identification unit (20),
    - transmitting the control signal from the control unit (7) to a separating unit (19),
    - separating the overhead adapters (13) by means of the separating unit (19), wherein a conveying distance between two adjacent overhead adapters (13) is set in dependence on the control signal such that a first conveying distance (d1) due to the first control signal is greater than a second conveying distance (d2) due to the second control signal,
    - identifying overhead adapters (13) to be discharged by means of a second identification unit (22),
    - transmitting a second identification signal from the second identification unit (22) to the control unit (7),
    - generating a discharge signal by means of the control unit (7) when an overhead adapter (13) to be discharged has been identified by means of the second identification unit (22),
    - transmitting the discharge signal from the control unit (7) to a discharge unit (18),
    - discharging the overhead adapter (13) to be discharged from the overhead conveyor system (6) by means of a discharge element (18).
  8. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that overhead adapter data is detected by means of the identification units (20, 22) in a contactless manner, in particular while passing by.
  9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the overhead adapters (13) can be conveyed in a circulating manner, in particular endlessly, in the overhead conveyor system (6).
  10. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by deactivating the second identification unit (22) by transmitting a deactivation signal from the control unit (7) to the second identification unit (22) when the first control signal is generated.
  11. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the overhead adapter (13) to be discharged is included in a list with the first control signal and is removed from this list again when the overhead adapter (13) has been identified by means of the second identification unit (22).
  12. A method according to claim 11, characterized by automatically generating the second control signal when the last overhead adapter (13) has been removed from the list.
EP22190094.7A 2021-10-13 2022-08-12 Overhead conveyor technology and method for conveying hangers as well as overhead conveyor with such overhead conveyor technology Active EP4166482B1 (en)

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US20230114187A1 (en) 2023-04-13

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